IKUSANU DESCENDANTS REAFFIRM OWNERSHIP OF ARAROMI-SEASIDE, DISMISS AHERI KINGDOM’S CLAIMS
The descendants of Ikusanu, founders of Araromi-Seaside in present-day Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, have reaffirmed their ownership of Araromi-Seaside, describing recent claims by the Aheri Kingdom as historically inaccurate and legally untenable.
In a comprehensive press statement issued on 13 July 2026, the Head of the Ikusanu Family, Elder Okungbure Ebunuolawa Silvanus, stated that the ownership claims advanced by Aheri are contradicted by documented historical records, the Aheri stool’s own written acknowledgements, and binding judgments of both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
According to the statement, a 1947 colonial record identifies Ikusanu as the founder of Araromi-Seaside, while a 1955 agreement executed by the then Maporure of Aheri acknowledged the Ikusanu family’s ownership of the land. It also recalled that a similar ownership claim was rejected in 1967.
The family further noted that the High Court of Ondo State, in Suit No. HOK/6/1991, declared title to the entire Araromi land in favour of the Ikusanu family, a decision unanimously affirmed by the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, on 18 May 2017.
The Ikusanu descendants urged the Ondo State Government, the Federal Government, investors and the general public to rely on established historical records and subsisting court judgments regarding the ownership of Araromi-Seaside, particularly as development of the Olokola Free Trade Zone gathers momentum.
They reaffirmed their commitment to peace, lawful coexistence and sustainable development while calling on all parties to respect the rule of law and refrain from advancing claims already determined by competent courts.
e-signed:
Prince Bolu Diesel Ajijo, mnipr.
Public Relations Consultant to Araromi kingdom
13th July 2026